Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) describes a sense of exhaustion and post-exertion malaise, even when you have gotten enough rest and sleep. The disease is characterized by six months of incapacitating fatigue experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina, and problems with concentration and short-term memory. The cause is unknown, but it is a...
I recently joined the Fibro support group and I know fatigue can be part of Fibro, but something else is going on. I've been reading the topics and replies on this site, and I think I've found where I should be.
My legs have started to feel very heavy at times, like I need to sit down immediately or I will fall to the floor. I can't stand up for more than a few minutes without needing to lean on something, or sitting back down.
I fall asleep while watching TV -- not that unusual in itself, but I can 'come to' towards the end of a program and not be aware that I was unconscious for a considerable amount of time. It's like 'losing' time. I think (and feel) like I was only asleep for a few moments. I'll erase the program on my DVR only to later realize that I have no idea what I just 'watched.'
I have huge balance issues (when I bend down to pick up something, it is all I can do to keep from falling over. In fact, if there is anything close by for me to hold onto, that's the only way I'm comfortable). There is absolutely no way for me to go up or down stairs without holding on to the railing.
When I do the laundry I'm wiped out for hours. I can't even put the clothes away until I lay down for awhile.
The Fibro explains the pain I'm in every day, but these other symptoms (if that's what they are) can't all be attributed to that disease.
I haven't been able to work for five years, and not only because of the pain. Actually, I've been in this kind of pain for several years before I was diagnosed. I managed to get through the day. Towards the end of my working career, I was falling asleep at my desk, sometimes sitting up!
So, what do you think? Am I in the right place? In any event, thanks for reading this (much too long) topic.
My legs have started to feel very heavy at times, like I need to sit down immediately or I will fall to the floor. I can't stand up for more than a few minutes without needing to lean on something, or sitting back down.
I fall asleep while watching TV -- not that unusual in itself, but I can 'come to' towards the end of a program and not be aware that I was unconscious for a considerable amount of time. It's like 'losing' time. I think (and feel) like I was only asleep for a few moments. I'll erase the program on my DVR only to later realize that I have no idea what I just 'watched.'
I have huge balance issues (when I bend down to pick up something, it is all I can do to keep from falling over. In fact, if there is anything close by for me to hold onto, that's the only way I'm comfortable). There is absolutely no way for me to go up or down stairs without holding on to the railing.
When I do the laundry I'm wiped out for hours. I can't even put the clothes away until I lay down for awhile.
The Fibro explains the pain I'm in every day, but these other symptoms (if that's what they are) can't all be attributed to that disease.
I haven't been able to work for five years, and not only because of the pain. Actually, I've been in this kind of pain for several years before I was diagnosed. I managed to get through the day. Towards the end of my working career, I was falling asleep at my desk, sometimes sitting up!
So, what do you think? Am I in the right place? In any event, thanks for reading this (much too long) topic.
I don't know why standing still seems to take so much energy. Find a wall to lean against or hunt down a chair. Don't worry about everyone else still standing.
I do think this is a good place for you to be posting. CFS covers a wide range of conditions some of us are better and others can't do much at all. I hope that your working career ended with retirement. Good luck.
Hugs to you,
Genie
It would be ever so helpful if you had a good Rheumatologist or other doctor you could turn to for help with diagnosis of CFS/ME. So many of our symptoms fall into other categories, and things cross over into other things such as thyroid dysfunction, Lyme's disease, depression, sleep apnea........!! You really do need a good blood work up to eliminate these other things before you diagnose yourself with CFS.
I hope you do NOT have this illness. Sleep disturbances are common among CFS sufferers. Our sleep is unrefreshing, but it's the EXHAUSTION that ruins us and stops us from working and functioning.
I'm just hoping that you can find a doctor to help you rule out other things that COULD be treated!!!! In the meantime, we are here to support you as you search for your diagnosis!! xo